The Knicks and 76ers‘ first-round series came with plenty of drama. The winning fan’s emotions rose during Joel Embiid’s gesture against Mitchell Robinson. However, they now find recluse as Jalen Brunson leads individual scoring metrics in the playoffs. The Philly fans’ heart-throbbing moment came when the live telecast hinted at underlying health concerns with Embiid, while Tyrese Maxey’s T-Mac-like Game 5 structured hopes for the future. As the Knicks prepare for the Pacers, a new clip shows Embiid‘s transformation from a hero to a mischievous villain.
In a pre-game clip, Embiid got his shots up near the baseline at Madison Square Garden, albeit, while bullying the security guard. Embiid shot imbalanced shots near the baseline, carrying his momentum into the usher. As the guard displayed shock, multiple 76ers staff faces swarmed the MSG member to make Embiid’s case.
Joel Embiid and 76ers staff legitimately harassing this MSG security guard doing his job is embarrassing.
Taking shots while being OUT-OF-BOUNDS and the security guard somehow gets blamed. pic.twitter.com/9gfkSek0gH
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) May 5, 2024
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The staff members claimed that Embiid had been practicing fadeaways and needed the space around the baseline. While the clip is not from the playoffs, it gained traction after many of Embiid’s antics against the Knicks. With that, the fans perceive his actions as redundant and unnecessary, not giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Joel Embiid’s attempt to “shove” an usher was highly unappreciated!
While the exact timing of Embiid’s clip with the usher is yet to be revealed, fans have utilized the instance to channel their disappointment from the former MVP frontrunner. A fan immediately claimed that Joel’s questionable tactics snatched the respect out of his name, citing “Joel Embiid = Biggest Loser In Sports.” Embiid, despite being regarded as one of the most talented big men in the league, has resorted to seemingly unusual antics on the court; as radiated in his vivid history with Triple-H’s celebration.
Joel Embiid = Biggest Loser In Sports
— Coby’s Gambling Corner (@CobyValentine24) May 5, 2024
Another follower highlighted giving Embiid the benefit of the doubt, given the natural momentum of fadeaways carrying players in unwanted situations. However, the fan revoked their support after Joel’s last shot, hinting at a deliberate attempt to “shove the dude”.
I thought it was whatever until that last shot smh shooting out of bounds just to shove the dude
— Teg🚨 (@IQfor3) May 5, 2024
A Knicks enthusiast chimed in by citing elation for the Sixers’ 2023-24 playoff exit at the hands of the MSG home team. The series marks the prime of Embiid’s notorious notions, all while he was spared of referee’s whistles throughout the series; one of them includes deliberately hurting Robinson.
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Glad Sixers lost 😭😭
— Dee (@d33ness72) May 5, 2024
With that, a fan questioned the entire 76ers organization, highlighting their off-court endeavors of imbibing super-star-like values within their top players. The individual wrote, “No class in that whole org”.
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Lastly, another fan questioned, “Does this surprise anybody” after witnessing Joel Embiid as the center point of such an instance. In a span of a single series, Embiid has gone from being one of the most loved players across the league (because of his MVP-type season) and being seen as one of the most offensively skilled centers, to a star whose antics went too far.
These remarks come from the fan’s understanding of the game and the fact that Joel Embiid’s baseline jumpers came immediately out of nowhere. As the usher stepped a few steps away from the court, a spectator could also be seen pulling their kid to the front rows.